BPC-157, also referred to as Penta decapeptide BPC 157 or Body Protection Compound 157, is a synthetic peptide that has been examined in a range of studies for its role in supporting the healing of joint, tendon, and muscle tissue, as well as nerve tissue.
BPC-157 is a chain of 15 amino acids and is associated with potential protective properties. As its name implies, Body Protection Compound (BPC) originates from an amino acid fragment that was initially isolated from gastric juice.(1) It is also commonly described as a Penta decapeptide, a term that reflects its structure of 15 amino acids.(1)
Overview
BPC-157 has been increasingly explored for its potential role in wound healing. Its presentation may stimulate growth hormone (GH) receptors, potentially triggering effects similar to GH activity. The peptide appears to interact with these receptors, which may promote cellular proliferation. This process supports the formation of new tissue rich in collagen, alongside the development of blood vessel networks through a mechanism known as angiogenesis. As a result, damaged tissue may be reconstructed and healed at an accelerated rate compared to normal healing processes.(1)
BPC-157 has also been investigated in relation to gastrointestinal function. Serotonin, a key enteric neurotransmitter, is primarily found within the gastrointestinal tract and its mucosal lining. Disruptions in serotonin levels may interfere with gastric acid secretion, impacting mucosal integrity and altering gastric blood flow.(2) BPC-157 is suggested to exhibit antidepressant-like activity, which may help counteract serotonin-driven effects. Specifically, it may influence 5-HT2A receptors, limiting serotonin binding and reducing its downstream activity.(3) The peptide has been studied across a broad range of functions, including tissue regeneration, modulation of pain perception, gastrointestinal balance, and the repair of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bone cells.
Ongoing research continues to examine the full scope of BPC-157’s mechanisms, particularly in the context of gastrointestinal ulcer healing, as outlined below. Findings suggest the peptide may support increased vascular development and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, potentially enhancing overall functional recovery.(4)
Chemical Makeup
- Molecular Formula: C62H98N16O22
- Molecular Weight: 1419.55 g/mol
- Other Known Titles: Body Protection Compound-157
Research and Clinical Studies
BPC-157 Peptide and Wound Healing
In one study, researchers utilized three experimental murine models: the first involving skin tissue wounds, the second focused on colon tissue anastomosis, and the third incorporating synthetic sponge implantation. Within each model, a subset of subjects received a placebo, while others were administered the BPC-157 peptide. Following the experimental period, all specimens underwent histological analysis. The findings indicated that the BPC-157-treated models appeared to demonstrate increased levels of collagen and reticulin, along with more pronounced blood vessel formation, compared to those in the control group.(5)
In another investigation, researchers examined the proposition that BPC-157 may accelerate wound healing relative to a control group. This theory was based on observed enhancements across several critical healing parameters. These included the development of granulation tissue, which plays a fundamental role in the repair process, as well as reepithelialisation, where new epithelial cells regenerate to replace damaged tissue. Additional observations pointed toward potential improvements in dermal remodelling, a phase associated with restoring skin strength and elasticity, and increased collagen deposition, which is essential for effective tissue repair.(6)
The study further suggested that BPC-157 may elevate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) within injured skin tissue. VEGF is a key protein involved in promoting angiogenesis, a vital component of tissue healing. Researchers also proposed that the peptide may influence the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which line blood vessels and play an essential role in new vessel formation during the healing process.(6)
Additionally, there were indications of enhanced migration of HUVECs, based on outcomes from wound healing assays designed to evaluate repair mechanisms. The presence of BPC-157 appeared to correlate with increased expression of VEGF-A, a specific variant of VEGF, potentially contributing to faster vascular tube formation under laboratory conditions. Furthermore, the study suggested that BPC-157 may impact cellular signalling pathways by modulating the phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Phosphorylation serves as a key regulatory mechanism in activating or deactivating protein enzymes involved in intracellular communication. The affected kinases, ERK1/2, along with downstream factors such as c-Fos, c-Jun, and Egr-1, are thought to play important roles in cellular growth, migration, and angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels.(6)
BPC-157 Peptide and Tendon Healing
An experiment was carried out using cultured tendon fibroblasts derived from murine tendon tissue. These cultures were separated into two groups: a control group and another exposed to the peptide. Following the investigation, several observations were reported:(1)
The peptide appeared to enhance the outgrowth of tendon fibroblasts and support tissue repair;
Even under oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂, BPC-157 seemed to promote cell survival;
The peptide appeared to increase the migration capacity of tendon fibroblasts;
BPC-157 was associated with elevated phosphorylation levels of PAK and paxillin, while total protein levels remained unchanged.
Further analysis suggested that the peptide may influence tendon repair, cellular outgrowth, and survival through mechanisms involving F-actin formation and activation of the FAK and paxillin signalling pathways.(1) F-actin plays a critical role within the cellular cytoskeleton, contributing to structural integrity and enabling cell movement. If BPC-157 enhances F-actin formation, this may indicate improved cytoskeletal organisation and increased motility of tendon fibroblasts—both essential for effective tendon repair and regeneration. As the study progressed, researchers applied Western blotting techniques to identify specific protein activity within the samples. Through this method, it was suggested that BPC-157 may activate focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin, two proteins integral to cellular signalling processes. The findings indicated that phosphorylation levels of FAK and paxillin increased in the presence of the peptide, while overall protein quantities remained stable. This led to the suggestion that BPC-157 may act by activating existing proteins rather than increasing their production. Consequently, researchers proposed that BPC-157 may stimulate the FAK–paxillin pathway, a signalling route known to support cell migration and adhesion, particularly in tendon fibroblasts. Activation of this pathway may indicate a role for BPC-157 in enhancing the movement and attachment of these cells, which are critical components in tendon healing and tissue regeneration.
BPC-157 Peptide and Gastrointestinal Healing
A study was undertaken to evaluate the activity of the BPC-157 peptide in comparison with established angiogenic growth factors, including EGF, FGF, and VEGF. The underlying premise was that BPC-157 may demonstrate a high degree of stability, strong biocompatibility, and the ability to exert its effects independently. While overall improvements in healing were observed, BPC-157 was the only compound reported to produce consistent outcomes across all wound types, including both chronic and acute injuries affecting the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, and lower gastrointestinal tract.(7)
The findings suggested that the angiogenic capacity of BPC-157 may be notably extensive, appearing to influence not only localised wounds and ligament repair but also gastrointestinal tissue healing and bone regeneration. This broader activity profile indicates that the peptide’s potential effects may extend across multiple tissue systems beyond the initial site of injury.(7)
BPC-157 Peptide and Tissue Damage
A study was conducted to explore the extent of the peptide’s angiogenic potential beyond its effects on local wounds, ligaments, and gastrointestinal tissue. Researchers also examined its activity across a broader range of conditions, including pancreatic lesions, liver injury, cardiac damage, endothelial dysfunction, and blood pressure regulation. Based on the findings, scientists proposed that BPC-157 may initiate a wide network of responses through peptidergic defence systems. It was further suggested that the peptide may play a role in modulating both acute and chronic inflammation, supporting wound healing, and contributing to fracture repair, including cases such as pseudarthrosis. These observations indicate that BPC-157 may form part of a broader, intrinsic peptidergic defence mechanism within the body.(8)
Researchers also highlighted the importance of various neurotransmitters and physiological systems, including dopamine, nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and other neural pathways. Dysregulation—whether through overactivity or suppression—of these systems may contribute to the development of lesions across multiple organs. BPC-157, through its proposed involvement in defence pathways, appears to interact with these systems and may help counterbalance their dysregulation. The study noted that this activity may involve key pathways such as the dopamine, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin, and somatosensory neuron systems, among others.(8)
BPC-157 Peptide and Muscle Healing
A study was conducted using murine models with injuries to the gastrocnemius muscle complex. These models were initially administered methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid, to assess its impact on muscle damage. The corticosteroid-treated subjects were then divided into two groups: one group received BPC-157, while the other was given a placebo. Both treatments were administered once every 24 hours, with evaluations carried out on days 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14. Upon assessment, it was observed that the corticosteroid appeared to significantly exacerbate muscle damage within the models. In contrast, the group receiving BPC-157 demonstrated observable signs of recovery, including improved healing of the injured gastrocnemius muscle and a restoration of functional capacity.(9)
Amphetamine-Induced Hypersensitivity
Laboratory investigations have suggested that the BPC-157 peptide may possess the capacity to support healing across a range of lesions, including those affecting the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and other tissues. Observations from these studies indicated a potential interaction between the peptide and the dopamine system. To explore this further, researchers administered BPC-157 in murine models that had been exposed to amphetamine, a dopamine agonist. The results suggested that BPC-157 appeared to reduce or reverse the amphetamine-induced excitability observed in these models.(10)
In a related experiment, murine models were first administered haloperidol, another compound affecting dopamine pathways, followed by amphetamine on days 1, 2, 4, and 10. These subjects were subsequently treated with BPC-157 to assess its influence. Upon evaluation, researchers reported that the peptide appeared to produce a near-complete reversal of the effects associated with haloperidol, further supporting its potential interaction with dopamine-related mechanisms.(10)
BPC-157 Peptide and Central Nervous System
In a specific study utilising murine models, researchers investigated the potential role of BPC-157 in the setting of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Findings suggested that the peptide may contribute to reducing the extent of damage associated with TBI, as reflected by improved early-stage outcomes in the experimental models. Within the critical 24-hour period following injury, observations indicated a notably low mortality rate among subjects treated with BPC-157. Additionally, common traumatic lesions linked to TBI—such as subarachnoid haemorrhage, intraventricular haemorrhage, brain lacerations, and haemorrhagic lacerations—appeared to be less severe in the BPC-157 group. These findings pointed toward a potential protective effect of the peptide in this context.(11)
Another notable observation was a marked reduction in brain oedema, or swelling of brain tissue, which is commonly associated with traumatic injury. Researchers also proposed that if BPC-157 were administered prior to the occurrence of TBI, it may improve the distribution of outcomes across conscious, unconscious, and fatal states in experimental subjects. In practical terms, this suggests the peptide may reduce the likelihood or severity of unconsciousness and lower mortality rates following injury. Furthermore, it was indicated that administration of BPC-157 immediately before trauma—such as force impulse exposure used to simulate TBI—may have lessened the extent of damage observed in the murine models. This raised the possibility that the peptide could offer both protective and preventative potential against the immediate effects of traumatic brain injury in experimental settings.(11)
BPC 157 peptide is available for research and laboratory purposes only. Please speak to our friendly research team to find out more and for sourcing options.
References:
-
Chang, Chung-Hsun et al. “The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration.” Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985) vol. 110,3 (2011): 774-80. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00945.2010
-
Ormsbee, H S 3rd, and J D Fondacaro. “Action of serotonin on the gastrointestinal tract.” Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 178,3 (1985): 333-8. doi:10.3181/00379727-178-42016.
-
Sikiric, Predrag et al. “Brain-gut Axis and Pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Theoretical and Practical Implications.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 14,8 (2016): 857-865. doi:10.2174/1570159x13666160502153022.
-
Krivic, A., Majerovic, M., Jelic, I. et al. Modulation of early functional recovery of Achilles tendon to bone unit after transection by BPC 157 and methylprednisolone. Inflamm. res. 57, 205–210 (2008).
-
S Seiwerth, et al. “BPC 157's effect on healing.” Journal of physiology, Paris vol. 91,3-5 (1997): 173-8. doi:10.1016/s0928-4257(97)89480-6.
-
Huang, T., Zhang, K., Sun, L., Xue, X., Zhang, C., Shu, Z., Mu, N., Gu, J., Zhang, W., Wang, Y., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, W. (2015). Body protective compound-157 enhances alkali-burn wound healing in vivo and promotes proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in vitro. Drug design, development and therapy, 9, 2485–2499.
-
Seiwerth, Sven et al. “BPC 157 and Standard Angiogenic Growth Factors. Gastrointestinal Tract Healing, Lessons from Tendon, Ligament, Muscle and Bone Healing.” Current pharmaceutical design vol. 24,18 (2018): 1972-1989. doi:10.2174/1381612824666180712110447.
-
Sikiric P. (1999). The pharmacological properties of the novel peptide BPC 157 (PL-10). Inflammopharmacology, 7(1), 1–14.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-999-0022-z https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17657443/
-
Pevec D, Novinscak T, Brcic L, Sipos K, Jukic I, Staresinic M, Mise S, Brcic I, Kolenc D, Klicek R, Banic T, Sever M, Kocijan A, Berkopic L, Radic B, Buljat G, Anic T, Zoricic I, Bojanic I, Seiwerth S, Sikiric P. Impact of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on muscle healing impaired by systemic corticosteroid application. Med Sci Monit. 2010 Mar;16(3):BR81-88. PMID: 20190676.
-
Jelovac, N et al. “A novel pentadecapeptide, BPC 157, blocks the stereotypy produced acutely by amphetamine and the development of haloperidol-induced supersensitivity to amphetamine.” Biological psychiatry vol. 43,7 (1998): 511-9. doi:10.1016/s0006-3223(97)00277-1.
-
Tudor, M., Jandric, I., Marovic, A., Gjurasin, M., Perovic, D., Radic, B., Blagaic, A. B., Kolenc, D., Brcic, L., Zarkovic, K., Seiwerth, S., & Sikiric, P. (2010). Traumatic brain injury in mice and pentadecapeptide BPC 157 effect. Regulatory peptides, 160(1-3), 26–32.
-
Gwyer, D., Wragg, N.M. & Wilson, S.L. Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing. Cell Tissue Res 377, 153–159 (2019).
-
Veljaca, Marija et al, The development of PL 14736 for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, Advanced in GI pharmacology, 2002 O-32.
-
Phase I clinical trial in healthy volunteers to study safety and pharmacokinetics of BPC-157, a pentadecapeptide from gastric source.
Dr. Marinov
Dr. Marinov (MD, Ph.D.) is a researcher and chief assistant professor in Preventative Medicine & Public Health. Prior to his professorship, Dr. Marinov practiced preventative, evidence-based medicine with an emphasis on Nutrition and Dietetics. He is widely published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and specializes in peptide therapy research.
BPC-157 Peptide